Five Quick, Effective Stress RelieversToday’s world is filled with situations and people who leave us feeling stressed out. In order to deal with these situations, and protect our health and well-being, there are some ways to handle the stress they cause.

What Is Stress?Stress is a mental or emotional strain that results from being subjected to demanding situations, which can include anxiety and worry. When it comes to determining what causes stress, the line can become blurry. Each person handles stressful situations, such as a new job or other life-altering change, busy schedules, and other situations in different ways, but when life becomes stressful, it can cause issues. The key to preventing these emotions from taking over is stress management. How to Reduce StressThe following five ways to relieve stress will help you overcome the overwhelming emotions that occur in stressful situations. By using these mindfulness exercises as stress management techniques, you will be able to relax even when your world seems out of control.# 1 – Identify Your StressorsIn order to relieve stress, you first have to determine what is causing it. By taking the time to pinpoint the most stress-inducing parts of your day, you will be better equipped to handle them with these stress relievers.# 2 – Use Positive Self-TalkBeating stress starts with the conversations you have in your own head. You need to incorporate positive self-talk, which includes statements such as “Everything is going to turn out right” and “I know I can do/handle this”. Whether you say them out loud, or only in your head, use them to defeat negative thoughts.# 3 – Relax DailySet aside time each day that is dedicated solely to your relaxation. You can use yoga, meditation or deep breathing to release the tension in your body and mind. There are many benefits of meditation, including discovering a method that helps you center your thoughts, and focus on the things that are most important to you.# 4 – Manage Your TimeTime management is a great stress reliever, as it will help you stay on task, and ensure you aren’t rushing towards deadlines with unfinished projects. By creating a schedule, you’ll be able to keep time constraints in hand.# 5 – Do Something for YourselfWhen you feel as if stress is overwhelming you, do something for yourself that you enjoy or makes you feel good. Whether speaking with a friend, reading or writing a letter, the things that make you feel good will help you relax and let go of the stress.Sources:http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/StressManagement/FourWaystoDealWithStress/Four-Ways-to-Deal-with-Stress_UCM_307996_Article.jsphttp://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2011/07/11/10-practical-ways-to-handle-stress/